Phenylethylamines and condensed rings variants as prodrugs of catecholamines, and their use

ABSTRACT

Compounds of the general formula I  
                 
 
     wherein rings B, C, D and E may be present or not and, when present, are combined with A as A+C, A+E, A+B+C, A+B+D, A+B+E, A+C+E, A+B+C+D or A+B+C+D+E, rings B, C and E being aliphatic whereas ring D may be aliphatic or aromatic/hetero-aromatic, and wherein X is —(CH 2 ) m —, in which m is an integer 1-3, to form a ring E or, when E is absent, a group R 1  bound to the nitrogen atom, wherein R 1  is selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, alkyl or haloalkyl groups of 1 to 3 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl(alkyl) groups of 3 to 5 carbon atoms (i.e. including cyclopropyl, cyclopropylmethyl, cyclobutyl and cyclobutylmethyl) and wherein Y is —(CH 2 ) n —, in which n is an integer 1-3, to form a ring C or when C is absent, a group R 2  bound to the nitrogen atom, wherein R 2  is selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, alkyl or haloalkyl groups of 1 to 7 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl(alkyl) groups of 3 to 7 carbon atoms, alkenyl or alkylnyl groups of 3 to 6 carbon atoms, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl having 1 to 3 carbon atoms in the alkyl moiety, whilst the aryl/heteroaryl nucleus may be substituted, provided that when rings B, C, D and E are absent NR 1 R 2  is different from dimethylamino, N-methyl-N-ethylamino, N-methyl-N-propynyl-amino, N-methyl-N-propylamino and N-hydroxipropyl-N-methylamino, and salts thereof with pharmaceutically acceptable acids or bases are disclosed as well as the use of such compounds for the manufacturing of pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of Parkinson&#39;s disease, psychoses, Huntington&#39;s disease, impotence, renal failure, heart failure or hypertension, such pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating Parkinson&#39;s disease and schizophrenia.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to new chemical compoundsrepresenting a new prodrug principle for the generation ofcatecholamines, in particular catecholethylamines, to processes fortheir preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and theiruse in therapy.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Neurodegenerative diseases are becoming more prevalent with theaging population. One particular neurodegenerative disease whichtypically has its onset between the ages of 50 and 80 years of age isParkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is a disorder of the brainwhich is characterized by tremor and difficulty with walking, movement,and coordination.

[0003] Parkinson's disease appears to be caused by a progressivedeterioration of dopamine-containing neurons in the substantial nigrazona compacta of the brain. Dopamine is a chemical neurotransmitterwhich is utilized by brain cells to transmit impulses to control ormodulate peripheral muscle movement. The loss of the dopamine-containingneurons results in reduced amounts of dopamine available to the body.Insufficient dopamine is thought to disturb the balance between dopamineand other neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine. When such dopaminelevels are reduced, nerve cells cannot properly transmit impulses,resulting in a loss of muscle control and function.

[0004] Currently, there is no known cure for Parkinson's disease.Treatments are typically aimed at controlling the symptoms ofParkinson's disease, primarily by replacing the dopamine, with eitherL-DOPA which is metabolized to dopamine, or by administering chemicalagents that stimulate dopamine receptors. Current treatments to slow theprogression of the disease include compounds such as deprenyl(Selegeline), a selective monoamine oxidase inhibitor, and amantadine, acompound that appears to decrease dopamine uptake into pre-synapticneurons.

[0005] Certain hydroxylated (mono-phenolic or catechols)phenyl-ethylamines (as such or forming part of a semi-rigid/rigid ringsystem) are known to have useful dopaminergic activity. However, theirclinical use is limited because they have low or no bioavailability(high first-pass effect).

[0006] It has been reported that(±)-5-keto-2-N,N-di-n-propylamino-tetrahydrotetralin ((±)-5-keto-DPATT(Formula A)) does possess dopaminergic effects in rats in vivo. However,in vitro binding of this compound does not take place, i.e.(±)-5-keto-DPATT has itself no affinity to DA receptors. Consequently,it must be bioactivated before displaying its effects. This waspublished on a poster by Steven Johnson at a local Med. Chem. Meeting inAnn Arbor, Mich., USA in 1994. There was no mentioning of catecholamineformation on that poster. However, it was speculated, but not shown,that the active drug may be (±)-5-OH-DPAT (see Formula B below).Consequently, the compound of Formula II, falling within the generallyclaimed structure of Formula I, is provisoed from the present invention.

[0007] In recent years a large body of pharmacological, biochemical andelectrophysiological evidence has provided considerable support in favorof the existence of a specific population of central autoregulatorydopamine (DA receptors) located in the dopaminergic neuron itself andbelonging to the D2 receptor subclass of DA receptors. These receptorsare part of a homeostatic mechanism that modulates nerve impulse flowand transmitter synthesis and regulates the amount of DA released fromthe nerve endings. Recently, Sokoloff, et al., Nature, 347 146-51 (1990)presented evidence for the existence of a new type of dopamine receptorcalled D3. In a series of screened classical and atypical neuroleptics,the preferential dopamine autoreceptor antagonists (+)-AJ76 and(+)-UH232 possessed the highest preference for the D3 site. The D3receptor appears to occur both pre- and postsynaptically, and theregional distribution (high preference in limbic brain areas) differsfrom that of the D1 and D2 receptors.

[0008] Drugs acting as agonists or antagonists on central DAtransmission are clinically effective in treating a variety of centralnervous system disorders such as parkinsonism, schizophrenia,Huntington's disease and other cognitive dysfunctions.

[0009] In parkinsonism, for example, the nigro-neostriatal hypo-functioncan be restored by an increase in postsynaptic DA receptor stimulation(see above)). In schizophrenia, the condition can be normalized byachieving a decrease in postsynaptic DA receptor stimulation. Classicalantipsychotic agents directly block the postsynaptic DA receptor. Thesame effect can be achieved by inhibition of intraneuronal presynapticevents essential for the maintenance of adequate neurotransmission,transport mechanism and transmitter synthesis.

[0010] Direct DA receptor agonists, like apomorphine (a mixed DA D1/D2agonist), are able to activate the DA autoreceptors as well as thepostsynaptic DA receptors. The effects of autoreceptor stimulationappear to predominate when apomorphine is administered at low doses,whereas at higher doses the attenuation of DA transmission is outweighedby the enhancement of postsynaptic receptor stimulation. Theantipsychotic and antidyskinetic effects in man of low doses ofapomorphine are likely due to the autoreceptor-stimulator properties ofthis DA receptor agonist. This body of knowledge indicates DA receptorstimulants with a high selectivity for central nervous DA autoreceptorswould be valuable in treating psychiatric disorders.

[0011] Compounds displaying preferential antagonistic effects at DAautoreceptors have been developed, Johansson et al., J. Med. Chem., 28,1049 (1985). Examples of such compounds are(+)-cis-1S,2R-5-methoxy-1-methyl-2-(N-n-propylamino)tetralin((+)-1S,2R-AJ76) and(+)-cis-1S,2R-5-methoxy-1-methyl-2-(N,N-di-n-propylamino)tetralin((+)-1S,2R-UH232). Biochemically these compounds behave as classical DAantagonists, e.g. like haloperidol. Consequently, they raise the Dopaaccumulation in normal animals after the blockage of aromatic amino aciddecarboxylase by NSD1015 and they raise the levels of the DA metabolitesDOPAC and HVA (no NSD1015 treatment). However, functionally, inbehavioral testing (photocell motility meters), they display stimulatoryproperties, e.g. they increase the locomotor activity. In addition,gross behavioral observations show that these compounds, in certaindosages, can induce a weak classical dopaminergic stereotypic behavioraleffects like sniffing and rearing in rodents.

[0012] Diseases in which an increase in dopaminergic turnover may bebeneficial are geriatrics, for preventing bradykinesia and depressionand in the improvement of mental functions (e.g. cognition). It can havean effect in depressed patients. It can be used in obesitas as ananorectic agent. It can improve minimal brain dysfunction (MBD),narcolepsy and negative symptoms of schizophrenia and, in addition,impotence, erectile dysfunction and restless legs. Thus, improvement ofsexual functions is another indication (in both women and men).

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0013] It is an object of the present invention to provide new prodrugswhich are uniquely metabolized in vivo to a catecholamine derivativethat is a potent dopamine receptor ligand with agonist, partial agonist,inverse agonist and/or antagonist effects.

[0014] According to the present invention there is now provided newcompounds having the general structural formula (I)

[0015] wherein rings B, C, D and E may be present or not and, whenpresent, are combined with A as A+C, A+E, A+B+C, A+B+D, A+B+E, A+C+E,A+B+C+D or A+B+C+D+E, rings B, C and E being aliphatic whereas ring Dmay be aliphatic or aromatic/heteroaromatic, and wherein X is—(CH₂)_(m)—, in which m is an integer 1-3, to form a ring E or, when Eis absent, a group R₁ bound to the nitrogen atom, wherein R₁ is selectedfrom the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, alkyl or haloalkyl groupsof 1 to 3 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl(alkyl) groups of 3 to 5 carbon atoms(i.e. including cyclopropyl, cyclopropylmethyl, cyclobutyl andcyclobutylmethyl) and wherein Y is —(CH₂)_(n)—, in which n is an integer1-3, to form a ring C or when C is absent, a group R₂ bound to thenitrogen atom, wherein R₂ is selected from the group consisting of ahydrogen atom, alkyl or haloalkyl groups of 1 to 7 carbon atoms,cycloalkyl(alkyl) groups of 3 to 7 carbon atoms, alkenyl or alkylnylgroups of 3 to 6 carbon atoms, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl having 1 to 3carbon atoms in the alkyl moiety, whilst the aryl/heteroaryl nucleus maybe substituted, provided that when rings B, C, D and E are absent NR₁R₂is different from dimethylamino, N-methyl-N-ethylamino,N-methyl-N-propynyl-amino, N-methyl-N-propylamino andN-hydroxipropyl-N-methylamino, and salts thereof with pharmaceuticallyacceptable acids or bases.

[0016] The compounds thus disclaimed are known per se but theirtherapeutical use has not been disclosed previously.

[0017] Thus the present invention provides the following classes ofcompounds based on the different combinations of rings A to E:

[0018] wherein R₁, R₂, m and n are defined as above.

[0019] The preferred combinations for rings A to E are A+B+C (formulaIe), A+B+C+D (formula Ig), A+B+E (formula If), A+E (formula Ib) andA+C+E (formula Id), the most preferred combination being that of A+B+C(formula Ie).

[0020] The preferred meaning of R₁ and R₂ is n-propyl.

[0021] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that compounds ofthis invention contain one or several chiral centers. The compounds ofFormula I contain asymmetric carbon atoms in the alphatic ring moieties.The scope of this invention includes all (theoretically possible)R/S-combinations of the compounds of Formula I in their pure form. Ingeneral, the flatter a molecule of Formula I is the more potent it is asa dopaminergic agonist, provided it has a suitable n-alkyl substituent.Flat molecules of Formula I are those which have trans-fused ringsystems.

[0022] Since the pharmaceutical activity of the racemates or thedifferent combinations of R/S at the chiral C atoms in a molecule of thepresent invention can differ, it may be desirable to use as “chirally”pure forms as possible (e.g. the examples given below). In these cases,the final product or else even the intermediates can be resolved intoenantiomeric compounds by chemical or physical measures known to theperson skilled in the art or even employed in the synthesis as such.

[0023] Preferred absolute configurations of compounds of Formula Ia-h

[0024] wherein R₁, R₂, m and n are defined as above.

[0025] The prodrugs according to the present invention display usefultherepeutic effects for the treatment of diseases like (in the centralnervous systen (CNS)) Parkinson's disease, psychoses (e.g.schizophrenia), Huntington's disease, impotence; (in the periphery):renal failure, heart failure and hypertension. Other fields oftherapeutically active catecholamines are adrenergic, anti-adrenergiccompounds.

[0026] Some of the compounds according to the invention have both pre-and postsynaptic antagonistic effects. Compounds possessing more of thepostsynaptic effects can be used to alleviate the symptoms (bothpositive and negative) of schizophrenia and for the rehabilitation ofdrug addicts. Other disturbances of interest in this context is “jetlag”, sleep disorders and early stages of Parkinsonism. Anotherindication for the compounds of this invention are diseases with adisturbed cognition, e.g. Huntington's disease and Alzheimer's disease.

[0027] Other diseases/conditions, beside Parkinson's disease, which canbe treated with the compounds, in a suitable formulation, of the presentinvention are restless legs syndrome (RLS), erectile dysfunction(impotence in men) and sexual stimulation in e.g. menopausal women(stimulation of vaginal lubrication and erection of clitoris). In theauto-receptor dose-range, corresponding to a low plasma and striataltissue concentration of compounds of the present invention can also beused to treat psychoses (e.g. schizophrenia; see above).

[0028] The herewith mentioned diseases do not form a limitation to thepresent invention, thus, other diseased states involving the DA-ergicsystem may also be relevant for treatment with compounds of the presentinvention.

[0029] The compounds of Formula I may be converted to their respective“built-in” 3,4-di-OH-phenylethylamines, (Formula II), in vivo in the CNSand/or the periphery.

[0030] wherein X, Y, R₁, R₂, m and n are defined as above in connectionwith formula I.

[0031] It is possible that the compounds of Formula II appear in thebrain cells of animals following oral and parenteral administration ofthe compounds of Formula I. Therefore, in accordance with the presentinvention, applicants have surprisingly found thatcyclohexenone-ethylamines of the general structure of Formula I aboveare bio-activated in vivo, likely to the corresponding3,4-di-OH-phenylethylamines (Formula II).

[0032] Compounds of formula II may also possess properties ofcatechol-O-methyl-transferase (COMT) inhibition, an effect which maysynergistically augment the dopaminergic effects of the catecholsgenerated.

[0033] The compounds of the present invention can be administered to apatient either alone or as a part of a pharmaceutical composition.

[0034] The term “patient” as used herein means all animals includinghumans. Examples of patients include humans, rodents, and monkeys.

[0035] Thus, according to another aspect of the present invention thereis provided a pharmaceutical composition which as the active principlecontains a compound of formula I as defined above, however with nodisclaimer in the meaning of NR₁R₂ when rings B, C, D and E are absent,or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof together with apharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent, or excipient.

[0036] The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention can beadministered to patients either orally, rectally, parenterally(intravenously, intramuscularly, or subcutaneously), intracisternally,intravaginally, intraperitoneally, intravesically, locally (powders,ointments, or drops), or as a buccal or nasal spray.

[0037] A preferred route of administration is oral, although parenteraland transdermal administration are also contemplated. Controlled releaseformulations particularly in the form of skin patches and the like, areparticularly well-suited treating elderly patients.

[0038] Compositions suitable for parenteral injection may comprisephysiologically acceptable sterile aqueous or nonaqueous solutions,dispersions, suspensions or emulsions, and sterile powders forreconstitution into sterile injectable solutions or dispersions.Examples of suitable aqueous and nonaqueous carriers, diluents solventsor vehicles include water, ethanol, polyols (propylene glycol,polyethylene glycol, glycerol, and the like), suitable mixtures thereof,vegetable (such as olive oil, sesame oil and viscoleo) and injectableorganic esters such as ethyl oleate. Proper fluidity can be maintained,for example, by the use of a coating such as lecithin, by themaintenance of the required particle size in the case of dispersions andby the surfactants.

[0039] These compositions may also contain adjuvants such as preserving,emulsifying, and dispensing agents. Prevention of the action ofmicroorganisms be controlled by addition of any of various antibacterialand antifungal agents, example, parabens, chlorobutanol, phenol, sorbicacid, and the like. It may also be desirable to include isotonic agents,for example sugars, sodium chloride, and the like. Prolonged absorptionof the injectable pharmaceutical form can be brought about by the use ofagents delaying absorption, for example, aluminum monostearate andgelatin.

[0040] Oral delivery of the invention compounds is preferred, given thetypical age of the patient population and the condition being treated.Solid dosage forms for oral administration include capsules, tablets,pills, powders and granules. In such solid dosage forms, the activecompound is admixed with at least one inert customary excipient (orcarrier) such as sodium citrate or dicalcium phosphate or:

[0041] (a) fillers or extenders, as for example, starches, lactose,sucrose, glucose, mannitol and silicic acid,

[0042] (b) binders, as for example, carboxymethylcellulose, alginates,gelatin, polyvinylpyrrolidone, sucrose, and acacia,

[0043] (c) humectants, as for example, glycerol

[0044] (d) disintegrating agents, as for example, agar-agar, calciumcarbonate, potato or tapioca starch, alginic acid, certain complexsilicates, and sodium carbonate,

[0045] (e) solution retarders, as for example paraffin,

[0046] (f) absorption accelerators, as for example, quaternary ammoniumcompounds,

[0047] (g) wetting agents, as for example cetyl alcohol, and glycerolmonostearate,

[0048] (h) adsorbents, as for example, kaolin and bentonite, and

[0049] (i) lubricants, as for example, talc, calcium stearate, magnesiumstearate, solid polyethylene glycols, sodium lauryl sulfate, or mixturesthereof. In the case of capsules, tablets, and pills, the dosage formsmay also comprise buffering agents.

[0050] Solid compositions of a similar type may also be employed asfillers in soft and hard-filled gelatin capsules using such excipientsas lactose or milk sugar and as high molecular weight polyethyleneglycols, and the like.

[0051] Solid dosage forms such as tablets, dragees, capsules, pills, andgranules can be prepared with coatings and shells, such as entericcoatings and others well known in the art. They may contain opacifyingagents, and can also be of such composition that they release the activecompound or compounds in a certain part of the intestinal tract in adelayed manner. Examples of embedding compositions which can be used arepolymeric substances and waxes. The active compounds, can also be usedin micro-encapsulated form, if appropriate, with one or more of theabove-mentioned excipients. Controlled slow release formulations arealso preferred, including osmotic pumps and layered delivery systems.

[0052] Liquid dosage forms for oral administration includepharmaceutically acceptable emulsions, solutions, suspensions, syrups,and elixirs. In addition to the active compounds, the liquid dosageforms may contain inert diluents commonly used in the art, such as wateror other solvents, solubilizing agents and emulsifiers, for example,ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, ethyl carbonate, ethyl acetate, benzylalcohol, benzyl benzoate, propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol,dimethylformamide, oils, in particular, cottonseed oil, groundnut oil,corn germ oil, olive oil, viscoleo, castor oil and sesame oil, glycerol,tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, polyethyleneglycols and fatty acid esters ofsorbitan or mixtures of these substances, and the like.

[0053] Besides such inert diluents, the composition can also includeadjuvants, such as wetting agents, emulsifying and suspending agents,sweetening, flavoring, and perfuming agents.

[0054] Suspensions, in addition to the active compounds, may containsuspending agents, as for example, ethoxylated isostearyl alcohols,polyoxyethylene sorbitol and sorbitan esters, microcrystallinecellulose, aluminum metahydroxide, bentonite agar-agar and tragacanth,or mixtures of these substances, and the like.

[0055] Compositions for rectal administrations are preferablysuppositories which can be prepared by mixing the compounds of thepresent invention with suitable nonirritating excipients or carrierssuch as cocoa butter, polyethylene glycol or a suppository wax, whichare solid at ordinary temperatures but liquid at body temperature andtherefore, melt in the rectum or vaginal cavity and release the activecomponent.

[0056] Dosage forms for topical administration of a compound of thisinvention include ointments, powders, sprays, and inhalants. The activecomponent is admixed under sterile conditions with a physiologicallyacceptable carrier and any preservatives, buffers, or propellants as maybe required. Ophthalmic formulations, eye ointments, powders, andsolutions are also contemplated as being within the scope of thisinvention.

[0057] The term “pharmaceutically acceptable salts” as used hereinrefers to those amino acid addition salts of the compound of the presentinvention which are, the scope of sound medical judgment, suitable foruse in contact with the tissues of patients without undue toxicity,irritation, allergic response, and the like, commensurate with areasonable benefit/risk ratio, and effective for their intended use aswell as the zwitterionic forms, where possible, of the compounds of theinvention. The term “salts” refers to the relatively non-toxic,inorganic and organic acid addition salts of the compounds of Formula I.These salts can be prepared in situ during the final isolation andpurification of the compounds of the invention or by separately reactingthe purified compound in the free base form with a suitable organic orinorganic acid and isolating the salt thus formed. Representative saltsinclude the hydrobromide, hydrochloride, sulfate, bisulfate, nitrate,acetate, oxalate, valerate, oleate, palmitate, sstarate, laurate,borate, benzoate, lactate, phosphate, tosylate, citrate, maleate,fumarate, succinate, tartrate, naphthylate, mesylate, glucoheptonate,lactobionate and laurylsulphonate salts, and the like. These may includecations based on the alkali and alkaline earth metals, such as sodium,potassium, calcium, magnesium, and the like, as well as nontoxicammonium, quatemary ammonium and amine cations including, but notlimited to ammonium, tetramethylammonium, tetraethylammonium,methylamine, dimethylamine, trimethylamine, triethylamine, ethylamine,and the like. (See, for example, S. M. Berge, et al., “PharmaceuticalSalts,” J. Pharm. Sci., 1977; 66:1-19 which is incorporated herein byreference.) In addition, the compounds of the present invention canexist in unsolvated as well as solvated form with pharmaceuticallyaccepted solvents such as water, ethanol, and the like. In general, thesolvated forms are considered equivalent to the unsolvated forms for thepurposes of the present invention.

[0058] According to a further aspect of the present invention there isprovided a method of treating Parkinson's disease in a patient in needthereof, which method comprises administering to the patient atherapeutically effective amount of a compound of any of formulae Te, Ifand Ig, defined as above, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0059] A “therapeutically effective amount” is an amount of a compoundof Formula I, that when administered to a patient, ameliorates a symptomof Parkinson's disease.

[0060] Those skilled in the art are easily able to identify patientshaving Parkinson's disease. For example, patients who exhibit symptomswhich include, but are not limited to, tremor and/or shaking anddifficulty with walking, other movement, and coordination.

[0061] According to another aspect of the present invention there isprovided a method of treating schizophrenia in a patient in needthereof, which method comprises administering to the patient atherapeutically effective amount of a compound of any of formulae Ib andId, defined as above, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0062] The compounds of the present invention can be administered to apatient at dosage levels in the range of about 0.01 to about 1,000 mgper day. For a human adult having a body weight of about 70 kilograms, adosage in the range of about 0.001 to about 100 mg per kilogram of bodyweight per day is preferable. The specific dosage used, however, canvary. For example, the dosage can depend on a number of factorsincluding the requirements of the patient, the severity of the conditionbeing treated, and the pharmacological activity of the compound beingused. The determination of optimum dosages for a particular patient iswell-known to those skilled in the art.

[0063] In addition, it is intended that the present invention covercompounds made either using standard organic synthetic techniques,including combinatorial chemistry or by biological methods, such asthrough metabolism. The examples presented below are intended toillustrate particular embodiments of the invention and are not intendedto limit the scope of the specification, including the claims, in anyway.

[0064] The compounds of Formula I, utilized in the method of the presentinvention, are ideally suited for several reasons. Firstly, thecompounds are stable, making them excellent candidates for oraladministration. Secondly, the compounds are long acting, therebyenabling effective treatment with fewer dosing intervals, which is ofsignificant importance for elderly patients. Thirdly, the compounds ofthe present invention have excellent oral bioavailabilities.

[0065] According to a further aspect the present invention provides thecompounds of formula (I) as defined above, however with no disclaimer inthe meaning of NR₁R₂ when rings B, C, D and E are absent, and thepharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, for therapeutical use.

[0066] According to yet another aspect the present invention comprisesthe use of the compounds of formula (I) as defined above, however withno disclaimer in the meaning of NR₁R₂ when rings B, C, D and E areabsent, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof for themanufacturing of pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment ofParkinson's disease, psychoses, Huntington's disease, impotence, renalfailure, heart failure or hypertension.

[0067] The following detailed examples illustrate the general synthetictechniques utilized for preparing the compounds, along with some of thebiological assays employed to establish the efficacy of the compounds ofthe present invention.

EXAMPLES

[0068] (Alkylated) Dopamine Prodrugs

[0069] Scheme 1) Prodrugs of (Alkylated) Dopamine:

[0070] The lower scheme represents a Birch reduction.

Example 1 3-(2-Dipropylamino-ethyl)-cyclohex-2-enone (GMC6598)

[0071] 3-Vinyl-cyclohex-2-enone (0.75 g, 6.1 mmol) (prepared accordingto Nasarow's method) was dissolved in acetonitril (1 mL) anddipropylamine (1.5 g, 16 mmol) was added followed by Cs₂CO₃ (50 mg).After stirring the mixture at rt for 3 h it was diluted withdiethylether (100 mL), filtered and evaporated to dryness. The residuewas destilled in vacuo (175° C., 0.01 mm Hg) to give a slightly yellowoil which was converted to the hydrochloride salt. Recrystallizationfrom isopropyl ether/isopropyl alcohol yielded: 1.2 g, 4.6 mmol (75%),mp 95-97° C. IR (KBr) 2962, 2613, 1667; ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃) δ5.84 (d, 1H),2.65 (m, 2H), 2.27-2.60 (m, 9H), 1.99 (m, 2H), 1.39-1.51 (m, 5H), 0.86(t, 6H) ppm; ¹³C-NMR (CDCl₃) δ198.2, 163.5, 124.9, 54.2, 50.1, 35.7,33.7, 28.4, 21.2, 18.5, 10.4 ppm; MS (EI) m/z 223 (M⁺).

Example 2 3-(2-Diethylamino-ethyl)-cyclohex-2-enone (GMC6608)

[0072] The same procedure was used as in Example 1 but usingdiethylamine. Destillation at 120° C., 0.01 mmHg afforded a colorlessoil that was converted to the hydrochloride salt. Recrystallization fromisopropyl ether/isopropyl alcohol yielded: 1.3 g, 5.6 mmol (91%), mp148-149 ° C. IR (KBr) 2948, 2851, 1661; ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃) δ5.86 (d, 1H),2.48-2.67 (m, 6H), 2.27-2.39 (m, 6H), 1.96 (m, 2H), 1.02 (t, 6H) ppm;¹³C-NMR (CDCl₃) δ198.3, 163.5, 124.8, 48.9, 45.2, 35.7, 33.7, 28.4,21.2, 10.1 ppm; MS (EI) m/z 195 (M⁺).

Example 3 3-(2-Dibutylamino-ethyl)-cyclohex-2-enone (GMC6623)

[0073] The same procedure was used as in Example 1 but usingdibutylamine. Purification by column chromatography (silica, ethylacetate) yielded a colorless oil that was converted to the hydrochloridesalt. Recrystallisation from isopropyl ether/isopropyl alcohol gave 1.3g, 5.6 mmol (91%), mp 115-117° C. IR (KBr) 2959, 2494, 1661; ¹H-NMR(CDCl₃) δ5.84 (d, 1H), 2.60 (q, 2H), 2.26-2.44 (m, 8H), 1.96 (m, 3H),1.21-1.46 (m, 8H), 0.87 (t, 6H) ppm; ¹³C-NMR (CDCl₃) δ198.2, 163.6,124.9, 52.0, 50.2, 35.7, 33.8, 28.4, 27.5, 21.2, 19.1, 12.5 ppm; MS (CI)m/z 252 (M+1).

Example 4 3-(2-((2-Phenyl)ethyl-propylamino)-ethyl)-cyclohex-2-enone(GMC6624)

[0074] The same procedure was used as in Example 1 but usingN-propyl-2-phenylethylamine. Purification by column chromatography(silica, ethyl acetate) yielded a colorless oil that was converted tothe hydrochloride salt. Recrystallisation from ether/ethanol gave 1.8 g,5.6 mmol (91%), mp 110-112° C. IR (KBr) 2937, 2538, 2442, 1667; ¹H-NMR(CDCl₃) δ7.15-7.83 (m, 5H), 5.95 (s, 1H), 3.07 (t, 2H), 2.83, (q, 2H),2.27-2.50 (m, 6H), 2.04 (p, 4H), 1.47-1.64 (m, 4H), 0.86 (t, 3H) ppm;¹³C-NMR (CDCl₃) δ198.2, 163.5, 136.4, 127.2, 127.0, 126.7, 119.2, 48.1,42.7, 42.4, 36.2, 34.0, 32.2, 22.8, 20.7, 20.3, 9.4 ppm; MS (CI) m/z 286(M⁺1).

N-n-Propyl-3-(3,4-di-hydroxyphenyl)piperidine PRODRUG

[0075] Scheme 2) Prodrug of 3-APC (Alkylpyridinecatechol)

[0076] Reagents: (a) Chloropropyl-alkylamine; (b) NaBH3CN

[0077] As for the dopamine prodrug, the same possibility for a Birchreduction is present

Example 5 a) 3-Ethynyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one (GMC6573)

[0078] To a solution of 0.5N ethynylmagnesium bromide in tetrahydrofuran(100 mL) was added under N₂ and stirring 3-ethoxy-2-cyclohexen-1-one(3.75 9, 26.8 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (12.5 mL). The mixture wasstirred at RT for 20 h when it was acidified with 1N HCl (200 mL). Afterstirring for 15 min the acidic phase was extracted with dichloromethane(5×50 mL). The combined organic extracts were washed with water (2×50mL) and dried (MgSO₄). Evaporation of the solvent gave an oil that waspurified by column chromatography (silica, ethyl acetate/hexane 1:9) toyield a yellow oil, 2.71 g, 22.6 mmol, 84%). Analysis were in agreementwith literature data.

b) 3-(1-Propyl-1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-pyridin-3-yl)-cyclohex-2-enone(GMC6602)

[0079] 3-Ethynyl-cyclohex-2-enone (3.20 g, 26.8 mmol) (from a) above)and (3-Chloro-propyl)-propyl-amine (4.50 g, 33.2 mmol) were mixed inacetonitril (50 mL). Cs₂CO₃ (100 mg) and KI (200 mg) were added and themixture was refluxed under N₂ for 10 h. After cooling the mixture wasdiluted with water (50 mL) and extracted with dichloromethane (3×50 mL).The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried (MgSO₄) andevaporated. The resulting dark oil was purified by column chromatography(silica, ethyl acetate) to give a yellow red oil. Yield 5.1 g, 23.3 mmol(87%). IR (neat) 2932, 2871, 1589, 1538, 1157 cm⁻; ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃) δ6.84(s, 1H), 5.69 (s, 1H), 3.04-3.12 (m, 4H), 2.44 (t, 2H), 2.33 (t,2H),2.18 (t, 2H), 1.83-2.03 (m, 4H), 1.49-1.64 (m, 2H), 0.87 (t, 3H) ppm;¹³C-NMR (CDCl₃) δ197.0, 158.5, 140.1, 112.1, 102.4, 56.6, 44.3, 35.6,23.6, 21.4, 20.2, 20.1, 19.7, 9.6 ppm; MS (CI) m/z 220 (M+1).

c) 3-(1-Propyl-piperidin-3-yl)-cyclohex-2-enone (GMC6606)

[0080] 3-(1-Propyl-1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-pyridin-3-yl)-cyclohex-2-enone(5.0 g, 22.8 mmol) (from b) above) was dissolved in THF (100 mL). At 0°C., acetic acid (1.38 mL, 22.8 mmol) was added followed by introductionof NaBH₃CN (1.9 g, 30.0 mmol) in small portions maintaining thetemperature. After the addition was complete the mixture was stirred for1 h at this temperature and then at rt overnight. Work-up by addition ofwater (50 mL) and saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ (50 mL) followed byextraction with dichloromethane (5×50 mL). The combined organic layerswere dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by columnchromatography (silica, dichloromethane/ethanol 20:1) to give acolorless oil which was converted to the hydrochloride.Recrystallisation from isoprylether gave 4.2 g, 17.5 mmol (77%), mp184-185° C. IR (KBr) 3396, 2941, 2469, 1667, 1455 cm⁻; ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃)δ5.83 (s, 1H), 3.85 (d, 2H), 2.29-2.56 (m, 7H), 1.23-2.17 (m, 10H), 0.88(t, 3H) ppm; ¹³C-NMR (CDCl₃) δ198.4, 165.1, 123.4, 59.0, 55.6, 51.9,41.6, 36.0, 27.3, 26.9, 22.8, 21.2, 17.6, 10.2 ppm; MS (EI) m/z 221(M+).

[0081] Benzo [G] Quinoline Prodrug

[0082] Scheme 3) Prodrug of Benzo[g]Quinolines:

[0083] Reagents: (a) H₂, Pd/C; (b) SOCl₂, RNH₂; (c) LiAlH₄; (d) Li, NH₃;(e) EtO₂C (CH₂)₃P(Ph)₃Br, KtOBu; (f) PPA.

[0084] Or a different strategy:

Example 6 a) 3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-propionic acid n-propylamide (GMC6632)

[0085] 3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-propionic acid (8.8 g, 49 mmol) was refluxedin dichloromethane (200 mL) with thionylchloride (6,6 mL, 90 mmol) for 1h. The volatiles were evaporated and the resulting oil was dissolved indichloromethane (100 mL). This was added to a vigorously stirred mixtureof 5% aqueous NaOH (200 mL), dichloromethane (100 mL) and n-propylamine(3.0 mL, 71 mmol). After stirring for 1 h the layers were separated andthe aqueous layer was extracted with dichloromethane (3×50 mL). Thecombined organic layers were washed with water (50 mL) and brine (50 mL)and was dried over MgSO₄. Evaporation of the solvent gave the amide inquantitative yield (10.7 g, 49 mmol, 100%). IR (neat) cm⁻¹ 3300, 2961;1734, 1642; MS (EI) m/z 221 (M+). Analyses were in agreement withliterature data.

b) N-(3- (4-methoxyphenyl)-propyl)-N-propylamine (GMC6633)

[0086] To a stirred mixture of LiAlH₄ (8.0 g, 200 mmol) intetrahydrofuran (100 mL) was added dropwise a solution of3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-propionic acid n-propyl amid (10.7 g, 49 mmol) (froma) above) in tetrahydrofuran (100 mL). After refluxing for 12 h themixture was cooled to 50° C. and excess hydride was destroyed by carefuladdition of water (10 mL), 5% aqueous NaOH (40 mL) and water (20 mL)allowing reflux conditions. The hot slurry was filtered and the whiteprecipitate was washed thoroughly with ethanol. Volatiles wereevaporated and the resulting oil dissolved in ethyl acetate (50 mL) whatwas extracted with 0.5 N aqueous HCl (4×50 mL). The acidic phase wasmade alkaline (pH=9) by addition of 30% aqueous NaOH and extracted withethyl acetate (4×50 mL). The organic layers were combined, washed withbrine, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated to dryness to give an oil thatpartially crystallized in diethyl ether as the hydrochloride salt.Recrystallization from acetone/diethyl ether gave white flackycrystalline material. Total yield (as free base): 9.9 g, 48 mmol, 98%,mp 176-177° C. IR (neat) cm⁻¹ 2960, 2772, 1611, 1514; ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃)δ9.46 (br s, 1H), 7.16 (d, 2H), 6.90 (d, 2H),3.72 (s, 3H), 2.82 (br s,4H), 2.59 (t, 2H), 2.15 (p, 2H), 1.83 (h, 2H), 0.89 (t, 3H) ppm; ¹³C-NMR(CDCl₃) δ156.6, 130.3, 127.7, 112.4, 53.7, 47.9, 45.66, 30.3, 25.9,17.8, 9.7 ppm; MS (EI) m/z 207 (M+).

c) trans-N-propyl-7-keto-1,2,3,4,4a,5,8,8a-octahydro-[6H]-quinoline(GMC6638)

[0087] N-(3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-propyl)-N-propyl amine (6.15 g, 31.45mmol) (from b) above) was dissolved in THF (60 mL), t-BuOH (4.65 g, 5.93mL, 62.89 mmol). The mixture was cooled to −60° C. and liquid NH₃ (60mL) was introduced. Then Li metal (1.70 g, 0.24 mol) was gradually addedin small portions and the blue mixture was stirred at −60° C. for 4 h.The color was discharged by addition of a MeOH/aqueous NH₄Cl (sat)solution (1:1, 20 mL) and the cooling bath removed. After NH₃ hadevaporated the pH of the slurry was adjusted to 1 by addition ofconcentrated hydrochloric acid and stirred for 24 h. Then the mixturewas basified to pH 10 (30% NaOH, T<15° C.) and solid NaCl was introduceduntil the organic layer separated. The aqueous solution was extractedwith dichloromethane (8×50 mL) and the combined organic layers warewashed with brine and dried over MgSO₄. Evaporation yielded a red oilthat was purified by column chromatography (silica,dichloromethane/ethanol, 20:1) to yield a colorless oil (4.69 g, 24.05mmol, 76%). A sample was converted to the hydrochloride for analysis, mp148-1500C. IR (KBr) 2950, 2384, 1711, 1464 cm⁻¹; ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃) δ3.10(dt, 1H, J =3.91 Hz, 9.52 Hz), 1.23-1.80 (m, 7H), 1.93-2.72 (m, 10H),0.84 (t, 3H) ppm; ¹³C-NMR (CDCl₃) δ210.4, 59.5, 54.3, 46.3, 36.6, 36.0,33.7, 26.8, 23.6, 22.7, 18.0, 10.3 ppm; MS (EI) m/z 195 (M+).

d)1-Propyl-trans-2,3,4,4a,5,7,8,9,10,10a-decahydrobenzo-[g]quinolin-6-one(GMC6650) and1-Propyl-cis-2,3,4,4a,5,7,8,9,10,10a-decahydrobenzo[g]quinolin-6-one(GMC6651)

[0088] To a cooled (0° C.) suspension of KOtBu (2.5 g, 25.6 mmol) in drydimethylformamide (4 mL) flushed with N₂ was added dropwise a solutionof (3-ethoxycarbonylpropyl)triphenylphosphonium bromide (12.9 g, 28.2mmol) in dry, N₂ flushed dimethylformamide (25 mL). When the additionwas complete the mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 30 min. Then asolution oftrans-N-propyl-7-keto-1,2,3,4,4a,5,8,8a-octahydro-[6H]-quinoline (2.5 g,12.8 mmol) (from c) above) in dry, N₂ flushed dimethylformamide (4 mL)was added dropwise at 0° C. After stirring at 0° C. for 4 h thetemperature was allowed to rise to RT and stirring was continuedovernight. Water (50 mL) was added and the mixture was filtered throughCelite (2 g). The filtrate was extracted with hexane (5×25 mL). Thecombined organic layers were dried (MgSO₄), filtered and evaporated togive a beige solid (9.1 g). The solid was dissolved in dichloromethane(10 mL) and was added to PPA (40 g) at 100° C. while stirring. After 4 hstirring at that temperature the reaction mixture was allowed to cool toabout 80° C. when crushed ice (50 g) was introduced. Stirring wascontinued at that temeprature for 1 h and then the solution was allowedto cool to RT. Concentrated ammonia was added until pH=8 and then thesolution was extracted with dichloromethane (6×100 mL). The combinedorganic layers were dried (MgSO₄), filtered and evaporated. The residuewas purified by column chromatography (silica, dichloromethane/methanol,gradient) and the products were subsequently converted to thehydrochloric salt and recrystallized from diethyl ether/ethanol.

[0089] Cis isomer: Yield 0.07 g, 0.3 mmol (6%). IR (KBr) 2928, 2592,1668, 1457, 1394 cm⁻¹; ¹H-NMR 500 MHz (CDCl₃) δ3.20 (t, 1H, J=11 Hz),2.75 (d, 1H), 2.00-2.58 (m, 12H) 1.82-2.00 (m, 2H), 1.52-1.79 (m, 4H),1.38 (d, 1H), 1.22-1.29 (dq, 1H), 0.90 (t, 3H) ppm; ¹³C-NMR (CDCl₃)δ197.3, 151.1, 128.7, 54.8, 53.5, 45.1, 36.3, 31.0, 29.7, 26.3, 24.0,23.3, 22.6, 20.9, 18.0, 10.3 ppm; MS (EI) m/z 249 (M⁺).

[0090] Trans isomer: Yield 0.61 g, 2.2 mmol (67%), mp 235° C. IR (KBr)2928, 2592, 1668, 1457, 1394 cm⁻¹; ¹H-NMR 500 MHz (CDCl₃) δ3.06 (d, 1H,J =11.2 Hz), 2.72-2.78 (dt, 1H), 2.15-2.55 (m, 10H), 1.51-1.99 (m, 9H),1.01-1.10 (dq, 1H), 0.89 (t, 3H) ppm; ¹³C-NMR 200 MHz (CDCl₃) δ197.0,152.6, 129.8, 59.6, 53.6, 51.2, 36.1, 35.2, 34.9, 29.3, 29.4, 28.1,23.2, 20.8, 15.8, 10.4 ppm; MS (EI) m/z 249 (M⁺).

Example 71-Propyl-trans-2,3,4,4a,5,7,8,9,10,10a-decahydrobenzo[g]quinolin-6-one(GMC6650) and1-Propyl-cis-2,3,4,4a,5,7,8,9,10,10a-decahydrobenzo[g]quinolin-6-one(GMC6651)

[0091] A solution of 3-ethynyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one (GMC6573) (Example 5a)(1.80 g, 15.0 mmol) in 1,2-dichlorobenzene (50 mL) was added to asolution of 1-propylamine-4-pentene in 1,2-dichlorobenzene (50 mL). Thesolution was stirred for 30 min at rt then for 72 h at 190° C. Aftercooling the mixture was poored in 4N HCl (40.0 mL) and this was stirredat rt for 2 h. The acidic layer was separated and extracted withdiethylether (2×50 mL). Then the aqueous layer was made alkaline (pH=8)with concentrated ammonia and was extracted with dichloromethane (5×50mL). The combined organic layers were washed with brine (50 mL) anddried (MgSO₄). Evaporation gave a dark oil that was purified by columnchromatography (silica, dichloromethane/ methanol, gradient) andsubsequently converted to the hydrochloride, which was isolated in 2 %yield. Analysis data were as in Example 6.

[0092] This procedure was repeated by rather than working in1,2-dichlorobenzene solution the reactants were reacted neat at 300° C.When working in this way the yield was considerably improved.

Example 8 Resolution of i-Propyl-trans-2,3,4,4a,5,7,8,9,10,10a-decahydrobenzo[g]quinolin-6-one (GMC6650)

[0093] A 5 mg mL⁻¹ solution of racemic GMC6650 prepared as illustratedin Example 6, in hexane/isopropanol (4/1 (v/v)) was injected into a HPLCsystem using a Water 510 HPLC pump fitted with a 500 μL loop and aChiralpack AD semi-preparative column (250×10 mm). Mobile phase was amixture produced by an ISCO Model 2360 Gradient Programmer and consistedof 98 % hexane (containing 0.1% (w/w) triethylamine) and 2%isopropanol/hexane (1/1 (w/w)). Flow of the mobile phase was 4.0 mLmin⁻¹. The separate enantiomers were detected by a Water 486 MilliporeTunable Absorbance Detector (λ=254 nm, AUFS=2.0) and were recorded onpaper using a Kipp & Zonen flatbed recorder (chart speed 5 mm min⁻¹,α1.33; k₁′=2.16; k₂′=2.88). Fractions were collected by hand. Afterevaporation of the mobile phase the optical rotation of the twofractions was determined using a Perkin Elmer 241 Polarimeter. Firsteluting fraction: [α]_(d) ²⁰=+185° (c=0.08, methanol). Second elutingfraction: [α]_(d) ²⁰=−214° (c=0.07, methanol). Both enantiomers wereanalyzed for their purity using the same HPLC system but now fitted witha Chiralpack AD analytical column (250×4.6 mm) and a 20 μL loop(e.e.=>99.9% for both enantiomers). Both enantiomers were converted totheir corresponding maleate salts and were recrystallized fromethanol/diethylether. Melting points: (+)-GMC6650.Maleate mp: 186° C.,(−)-GMC6650.Maleate mp: 192° C.

[0094] Scheme 4) Prodrug of Benzo[f]quinolines:

[0095] Reagents: (a) Chloropropyl-alkylamine; (b) NaBH₃CN

Example 9

[0096] N-propyl-benzo[f]quinoline Prodrug

N-propyl-8,9-dihydro-10H-aporphin-11-one

[0097] a) Method 1:

[0098] To a stirred solution of3,4,7,8-tetrahydro-2H,5H-naphthalene-1,6-dione (0.5 g, 3.0 mmol) in dryacetonitril (15 mL) is added 3-chloropropyl-propylamine (0.38 g, 3,0mmol). The mixture is heated to 80° C. under argon for 36 h. Thereaction mixture is then cooled to RT and diluted with ether (25 mL).Filtration and evaporation of the solvents yields an oil that isdissolved in tetrahydrofuran (15 mL) and cooled to 0° C. The crudeproduct is reduced with NaBH₃CN under acidic conditions. Work-up isperformed in the usual way and the products are purified by columnchromatography and the separated cis and trans products are subsequentlyconverted to a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and recrystallized,yielding the desired products.

[0099] b) Method 2:

[0100] 1,3-cyclohexadione (0.2 mol), paraformaldehyde (0.2 mol),(3-chloropropyl)-propylamine (0.2 mol) and powdered 4 Å molesieves aremixed in toluene. The mixture is heated and acetone (0.2 mol) isintroduced and heating is continued. The reaction mixture isconcentrated in vacuo then washed through a column of silica. Thefractions containing the product are combined and concentrated. Thismaterial is further purified by column chromatography. The purifieddienaminone is reduced with NaBH₃CN under acidic conditions. Work-up inthe usual way and the products are purified by column chromatography andthe separated cis and trans products are subsequently converted to apharmaceutically acceptable salt and recrystallized, yielding thedesired products.

[0101] Scheme 5) Syntheses of a Prodrug of Apomorphine:

[0102] Synthesis of the Main Building Block:

[0103] Reagents: (a) NaBH₄; (b) 6N HCl; (c) i) BrCH₂CONH₂, HCO₂H; ii)NaOH; (d) Wittig reaction; (e) PPA.

[0104] Benzyne Strategy:

[0105] N-propyl Aporphine Prodrug

Example 10 a) 3-aminophenylacetic acid ethyl ester (GMC6635)

[0106] To a cooled solution (−15° C.) of 3-aminophenylacetic acid (10.2,67 mmol) in ethanol (200mL) was added dropwise thionyl chloride (10 mL,0.14 mol). The reaction mixture was stirred for 24 h allowing thetemperature to slowly rise to rt. Evaporation of the volatiles gave abeige solid that was stripped several times with dichloromethane. Thesolid was then treated with hot diethyl ether and filtered to removediethyl sulphite. Recrystallization from dietyl ether gave 14.4 g, 67mmol, 100% of the desired compound as an off-white crystallinehydrochloride, mp 135° C. IR (KBr) cm⁻¹ 2857,2614, 1740

b) N-propyl-2-(3-aminophenyl)ethylamine (GMC6636)

[0107] 3-Aminophenylacetic acid ethyl ester hydrochloride (2.7 g, 13mmol) was added to n-propylamine (20 mL) while stirring and cooling to0° C. After stirring for 45 min the reaction mixture was evaporated togive a colorless solid of the amide product. The amide was dissolved intetrahydrofuran (20 mL) and 2N BH₃.SMe₂ in tetrahydrofuran (20 mL) wasadded at −10° C. After stirring at that temperature for 2 h the mixturewas refluxed for 48 h. The mixture was extracted to give the amine whichwas converted to the hydrochloride salt. Recrystallisation fromacetone/diethyl ether gave 2.2 g, 10 mmol (77%), mp 175° C. IR (KBr)2928, 2592, 1457, 1394 cm⁻¹; MS (EI) m/z 178 (M⁺).

c) N-propyl-8,9-dihydro-10H-11-oxo-aporphine (GMC6660)

[0108] A solution of 3-ethynyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one (GMC6573) (1.80 g,15.0 mmol) in toluene (5 mL) was added to a solution ofN-propyl-(3-aminophenylethyl)amine (2.67 g, 15.0.mmol, free base)toluene (5 mL). The solution was stirred for 30 min and subsequentlyextracted with 6N HCl solution (2×4 mL). The acidic solution was cooledto 0° C. and a solution of NaNO₂ (0.69 g, 100 mmol) in water (15 mL) wasadded slowly maintaining 0° C. After the addition was complete themixture was allowed to warm up to RT and was stirred until all startingmaterial and diazonium intermediate were consumed. The acidic solutionwas extracted with ethyl acetate (2×20 mL), made alkaline (pH≈8), andwas extracted with dichloromethane (4×20 mL). The combined organiclayers were washed with saturated NaCO₃ solution (50 mL) and dried(MgSO₄). Evaporation gave an oil that was purified by columnchromatography (silica, dichloromethane/ ethanol, 40:1) and the pureproduct was subsequently converted to the hydrochloric salt to 3.18 g,10 mmol (67%), mp 210-212° C. IR (KBr) 2948, 2851, 1661; ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃)δ5.86 (d, 1H), 2.48-2.67 (m, 6H), 2.27-2.39 (m, 6H), 1.96 (m, 2H), 1.02(t, 6H) ppm; ¹³C-NMR (CDCl₃) δ198.3, 163.5, 124.8, 48.9, 45.2, 35.7,33.7, 28.4, 21.2, 10.1 ppm; MS (CI) m/z 282 (M+1).

Example 11N-n-propyl-1,3,4,4a,5,6,8,9,10,10b-dekahydro-2H-benzo[f]quinolin-7-one

[0109] 1-Propyl-7-oxo-2,3,7,8,9,9a-hexahydro-1H-benzo[de]quinoline isreduced to the corresponding alcohol and subsequently dehydrated. Theexocyclic double bond is epoxidized followed by a ring opening thusforming 1-propyl-6-oxo-2,3,6,8,9,9a-hexahydro-1H-benzo[de]quinoline.This ketone is subjected to a wittig reaction with(3-ethoxycarbonylpropyl)-triphenylphosphonium bromide. After the usualwork-up the crude product is dissolved in dichloromethane and is addedto PPA. After the cyclization is complete the product is allowed tohydrolyze under acidic conditions. Extraction after basification givesthe crude end product. This is purified by column chromatography and theproducts were subsequently converted to a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt and recrystallized.

[0110] Pharmacology

[0111] Behavioral Testing in Rats of Compound GMC6650 (Example 6).

[0112] One rat, weighing about 350 g, was injected SC in the neck with 1μmol/kg of GMC6650. Another rat, weighing about 350 g, was injected POwith the same dose. The drug (3.4 mg) was initially dissolved in:ethanol (50 μL), 1 M acetic acid (2 drops), and water (1.4 mL),corresponding to 15 μmol per 1.5 mL, which means a concentration of 10μmol/mL. By first diluting that solution 10 times and injecting 0.35 mL,the given dose will be 1 μmol/kgμmol/kg. This goes for both of rats.

[0113] Independent of which kind of administration the rats hadreceived, both individuals displayed the same pattern of biologicalactivity: after 10 minutes the rats became sedated, closing or partlyclosing their eyes. After 15 minutes obvious dopaminergic effects wereseen, i.e. chewing, sniffing, licking, penile grooming, grooming, andafter 30 minutes both rats showed clear signs of stereotypy.

[0114] Stereotypy was intense and was registered for several hours byvisual inspection. After 10 hours both rats were still showing signs ofstereotypy. The next morning, the SC rat was still active, while the POrat was resting. Duration of action was thus ≧10 h for both sc and poadministration of 1 μmol/kg.

1. Compounds of the general formula I

wherein rings B, C, D and E may be present or not and, when present, arecombined with A as A+C, A+E, A+B+C, A+B+D, A+B+E, A+C+E, A+B+C+D orA+B+C+D+E, rings B, C and E being aliphatic whereas ring D may bealiphatic or aromatic/hetero-aromatic, and wherein X is —(CH₂)_(m)—, inwhich m is an integer 1-3, to form a ring E or, when E is absent, agroup R₁ bound to the nitrogen atom, wherein R₁ is selected from thegroup consisting of a hydrogen atom, alkyl or haloalkyl groups of 1 to 3carbon atoms, cycloalkyl(alkyl) groups of 3 to 5 carbon atoms (i.e.including cyclopropyl, cyclopropylmethyl, cyclobutyl andcyclobutylmethyl) and wherein Y is —(CH₂)_(n)—, in which n is an integer1-3, to form a ring C or when C is absent, a group R₂ bound to thenitrogen atom, wherein R₂ is selected from the group consisting of ahydrogen atom, alkyl or haloalkyl groups of 1 to 7 carbon atoms,cycloalkyl(alkyl) groups of 3 to 7 carbon atoms, alkenyl or alkylnylgroups of 3 to 6 carbon atoms, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl having 1 to 3carbon atoms in the alkyl moiety, whilst the aryl/heteroaryl nucleus maybe substituted, provided that when rings B, C, D and E are absent NR₁R₂is different from dimethylamino, N-methyl-N-ethylamino,N-methyl-N-propynyl-amino, N-methyl-N-propylamino andN-hydroxipropyl-N-methylamino, and salts thereof with pharmaceuticallyacceptable acids or bases.
 2. Compounds according to claim 1, which havethe general formula Ia

wherein R₁ and R₂ are as defined in claim 1, and the pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts thereof.
 3. Compounds according to claim 1, which havethe general formula Ib

wherein R₂ and m are as defined in claim 1, and the pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts thereof.
 4. Compounds according to claim 1, which havethe general formula Ic

wherein R₁ and n are as defined in claim 1, and the pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts thereof.
 5. Compounds according to claim 1, which havethe general formula Id

wherein m and n are as defined in claim 1, and the pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts thereof.
 6. Compounds according to claim 1, which havethe general formula Ie

wherein R₁ and n are as defined in claim 1, and the pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts thereof.
 7. Compounds according to claim 1, which havethe general formula If

wherein R₂ and m are as defined in claim 1, and the pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts thereof.
 8. Compounds according to claim 1, which havethe general formula Ig

wherein R₁ and m are as defined in claim 1, and the pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts thereof.
 9. Compounds according to claim 1, which havethe general formula Ih

wherein R₁ and m are as defined in claim 1, and the pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts thereof.
 10. Compounds according to claim 1, which havethe general formula Ii

wherein R₁ and R₂ are as defined in claim 1, and the pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts thereof.
 11. Compounds according to claim 1, which havethe general formula Ik

wherein m and n are as defined in claim 1, and the pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts thereof.
 12. Compounds according to any of claims 1-11,wherein R₁ and/or R₂ is/are n-propyl.
 13. Compound according to claim 1,which is: 3-(2-dipropylamino-ethyl)-cyclohex-2-enone;3-(2-diethylamino-ethyl)-cyclohex-2-enone;3-(2-dibutylamino-ethyl)-cyclohex-2-enone;3-(2-((2-phenyl)ethyl-propylamino)-ethyl)-cyclohex-2-enone;3-(1-propyl-piperidin-3-yl)-cyclohex-2-enone;1-propyl-trans-2,3,4,4a,5,7,8,9,10,10a-deca-hydrobenzo[g]-quinolin-6-one;1-propyl-cis-2,3,4,4a,5,7,8,9,10,10a-decahydro-benzo[g]-quinolin-6-one;1-propyl-trans-2,3,4,4a,5,6,7,9,10,10a-decahydro-benzo[f]-quinolin-8-one;or1-propyl-cis-2,3,4,4a,5,6,7,9,10,10a-decahydro-benzo[f]-quinolin-8-one;and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 14. Pharmaceuticalcomposition which as the active principle contains a compound of formula(I) as defined in claim 1, however with no disclaimer in the meaning ofNR₁R₂ when rings B, C, D and E are absent, together with apharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient.
 15. A methodof treating Parkinson's disease in a patient in need thereof, whichmethod comprises administering to the patient a therapeuticallyeffective amount of a compound of any of formulae Ie, If and Ig asdefined in claims 6, 7 and 8, respectively, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof.
 16. A method of treating schizophrenia in apatient in need thereof, which method comprises administering to thepatient a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of any offormulae Ib and Id as defined in claims 3 and 5, respectively, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 17. Compounds of formula I asdefined in claim 1, however with no disclaimer in the meaning of NR₁R₂when rings B, C, D and E are absent, and the pharmaceutically acceptablesalts thereof for therapeutical use.
 18. The use of compounds of formulaI as defined in claim 1, however with no disclaimer in the meaning ofNR₁R₂ when rings B, C, D and E are absent, and the pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts thereof for the manufacturing of pharmaceuticalcompositions for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, psychoses,Huntington's disease, impotence, renal failure, heart failure orhypertension.